Detroit's Menorah in the D Set to Shine Bright with Reunited Israeli Hostage Family
The annual Menorah in the D event, one of Michigan's largest Hanukkah celebrations, is just around the corner. This year, it will feature an emotional reunion between Ella Ben Ami and her family, who were held captive by Hamas militants. In 2023, Ella's parents, Raz and Ohad Ben Ami, were kidnapped during a devastating attack in Gaza, which claimed the lives of over 69,000 people.
Ella, who traveled from Israel to Detroit for the event in 2023, has been reunited with her mother after she was released after 54 days. However, it took an additional 491 days for Ella's father to be freed. Their harrowing ordeal is a testament to the strength and resilience of families during times of crisis.
The Menorah in the D event, founded in 2011, brings together thousands from downtown Detroit to celebrate Jewish religious freedom. The highlight of the event will be the lighting of a 26-foot-tall menorah, accompanied by live music and cultural activities. Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov, executive director of Chabad Lubavitch of Michigan, believes that this celebration embodies the unity and strength of Detroit's diverse community.
The event begins on Sunday, December 14th at 5 p.m. in Cadillac Square, with the menorah lighting starting at sundown. The event is free and open to the public, making it a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate Hanukkah.
For more information, visit menorahinthed.com.
The annual Menorah in the D event, one of Michigan's largest Hanukkah celebrations, is just around the corner. This year, it will feature an emotional reunion between Ella Ben Ami and her family, who were held captive by Hamas militants. In 2023, Ella's parents, Raz and Ohad Ben Ami, were kidnapped during a devastating attack in Gaza, which claimed the lives of over 69,000 people.
Ella, who traveled from Israel to Detroit for the event in 2023, has been reunited with her mother after she was released after 54 days. However, it took an additional 491 days for Ella's father to be freed. Their harrowing ordeal is a testament to the strength and resilience of families during times of crisis.
The Menorah in the D event, founded in 2011, brings together thousands from downtown Detroit to celebrate Jewish religious freedom. The highlight of the event will be the lighting of a 26-foot-tall menorah, accompanied by live music and cultural activities. Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov, executive director of Chabad Lubavitch of Michigan, believes that this celebration embodies the unity and strength of Detroit's diverse community.
The event begins on Sunday, December 14th at 5 p.m. in Cadillac Square, with the menorah lighting starting at sundown. The event is free and open to the public, making it a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate Hanukkah.
For more information, visit menorahinthed.com.
her family's strength & resilience is literally the definition of hope 
and now they get to celebrate hanukkah together again in our beautiful city? it's like a beacon of light (literally, with that 26ft menorah 
) at a time when we need more unity & love. can't wait to see her family shine bright on dec 14th in cadillac square!
I'm beyond excited for this year's Menorah in the D event! It's such an amazing way to bring people together and show that even in times of crisis, there's always hope and unity. Ella's story is truly inspiring - it's a testament to the human spirit and the strength of families when faced with adversity 
. I'm sure it's going to be an emotional experience for everyone involved, especially Ella getting to reunite with her family again 
️ – who doesn't love a good menorah lighting? It's all about spreading some joy and light during these winter months 
! I CAN IMAGINE HOW EMOTIONAL AND RELIEF-FILLED IT MUST BE FOR THEM AFTER SUCH A LONG AND TURBULENT EXPERIENCE 
. AND THE MENORAH IN THE D EVENT IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL WAY TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER AND CELEBRATE JEWISH CULTURE